Even the St. Clare Bison is Wearing Green

An American bison was peering into the cafeteria at and, though large and fierce looking, it wasn't the threat it could have been since it sported a green fedora -- and a shamrock headband on its nose.

It is St. Patrick's Day after all, and the bison was wearin' the green to mark the occasion.

The as-yet-unnamed American bison only recently arrived on the St. Clare campus, 1015 Bowles Ave., Fenton. It was the brainchild of the hospital's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tim Pratt. He says the bison, an iconic symbol of the Great Plains, will now become a mascot for the team approach being implemented at the hospital.

"We figured all teams have mascots," he said.

The bison also is sort of a fun-loving surprise for St. Clare President Sherry Hausmann, and  a complement to the spirit of the St. Clare campus, which is planted in native prairie grasses.

Pratt ruled out renting a live bison for the surprise. And rather than hunting for an American bison in the Great Plains, Pratt tracked one down -- in Brentwood. He said the 89-year-old owner of Brentwood Materials Supply had been storing a bison at his business for 10 years. Pratt bought it, loaded it into a pickup truck and placed it near the prairie habitat sign on the St. Clare campus.

Pratt now is planning a variety of activities in connection with the hospital's new mascot, including a contest to name it, with proceeds to go to the Dr. Charles Parks fund, which helps discharged patients who cannot afford medication.  There also may be St. Clare bison shirts in the future, as well as the bison to become a focal point in employee events. There already is a desire for people to have their picture taken with the large beast.

"The bison is available for photo opportunities," Pratt said.

Already the St. Clare bison was getting into the St. Pat's spirit on Wednesday as it watched intently through a wall of windows as St. Clare employees participated in a karaoke contest in the cafeteria.

Andit didn't seem to mind the green balloons floating from its horns.

Some information for this article was provided by Debbie Parker, communications specialist at SSM St. Clare Health Center.